FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby
ABOUT THE BOOK
Twelve-year-old Flossie is no ordinary ghost — she’s the caretaker of every soul in Highgate Cemetery. And during World War II, even the ghosts are unsafe.
Flossie Birdwhistle is the Turnkey at London’s Highgate Cemetery. As Turnkey, it’s Flossie’s job to ensure that all the souls buried in the cemetery stay at rest. Not an easy job for a young ghost, but a task made especially difficult by World War II: London is being attacked every night by enemy bombers, and even the dead are unsettled. When Flossie encounters the ghost of a German soldier carrying a mysterious object that seems to exist in both the living and spirit worlds, she becomes suspicious — what is the officer up to? Before long, Flossie uncovers a sinister plot that could destroy not only her cemetery, but also her beloved country. Can Flossie and her ghostly friends stop the soldier before it’s too late? History collides with the supernatural in this exciting, ethereal mystery from Allison Rushby.
REVIEW
I've read books combining ghosts and history before, but none quite like this one. I admired the way Rushby created a believable ghost world revolving around seven major cemeteries in and around London while also connecting that world to the historical events of World War II London. Flossie is the turnkey of Highgate Cemetery. That means she's in charge of keeping the interred happy in their internment. While she's still learning about how to help her charges, she finds satisfaction and contentment in her job. At least until she runs into the spirit of a Nazi officer running around London during the Blitz. He doesn't behave like any run-of-the-mill ghost she's ever met. Her curiosity leads her to visit other cemeteries looking for help spotting the man again. When he does reappear it's in a place he shouldn't be and it's clear that he poses a threat to both spirit and living worlds. With the help of friends and acquaintances, Flossie seeks to find out what the Nazi officer is up to while still fulfilling her duties, but it proves to be harder than she expected. The story is a fascinating one, providing enough details to help the reader envision what's going on while still moving the story along briskly. An enjoyable read perfect for young readers who want something a little different in their ghost story while not being scared out of their wits.
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